Medium Scale Basses?

you'll probably get people telling you both ways. imo its all in the bass construction, why else would alembic build 30 in basses none the less the 32 inch scale. it also depends on a good set of strings. several big name bassists(though i can't remember names right now) played 30 inch basses, and had great tone and everything. also the kubicki ex factor is a medium scale, and i love the tone of those(check out some older stu hamm stuff, i recommend radio free albemouthe) anyway, i think the reason you don't see many of the shorter scale basses around is because its easier to build a long scale, without having to take the time to consider things, its just developed into more of a standard. also if you are going to get a shorter scale, like i said with the strings, i hear pyrimid gold strings are really good and flexible for such things. i'd say go play it, if its made by status i'm sure it will still sound good, just whether or not you will like the feel. personnaly i want a kubicki, the short scale will help me to stretch for the chords i want. anyway good luck with it

 

the undertones and fundamentals usually don't shine through in a 30 in. then in a longer scale. but this also depends on the construction and quality of the parts

 

I own a 30 inch maxitone archtop. The action is high, but the tone is incredible with some eq, and the right style. I only break it out on reggae, when I want an upright-style tone, and the blues. Of course this may be an exception to the question you are looking for. I like not having to stretch my fingers all over to get chords or runs, but the intonation suffers at the 17th and above frets. Plus its hard to get the fingers inthere. (I got fat stubs)

 

My Kubicki is a medium scale and it sounds great. Status has a pretty good reputation so I bet their 32" scale basses sound great too.